Security operatives raided a church on Owerri Road, Enugu State, on Sunday and marched away over 50 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a video circulated on social media, the security operatives, mostly policemen, were seen with guns while members of the church marched out one after the other, with their hands raised.
A source, who spoke to Sahara Reporters, said, “The Nigeria police and military have just stormed a church on Owerri Road, Enugu State, molesting over 50 men, both old and young while matching them to an unknown destination.
“We are bringing this to the attention of the world. The lives of these men should not be wasted for no crime committed. They were only at a place of worship today being Sunday the 30th of May 2021 and no arms were found with them.”
However, in a statement later on Sunday, the Police PRO, Daniel Ndukwe, without making reference to the church incident, said, Police revealed 54 persons were arrested and taken to the Headquarters for interrogation for “gathering unlawfully” at Owerri Road, Ogui, Enugu.
“54 persons were seen to be unlawfully gathered at Owerri Road, Ogui, Enugu, and brought to Headquarters for questioning.
“After nothing incriminating was found on them, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, psc, addressed and cautioned them to go home and maintain peace. They all left happily, please,” he said.